U.S. Secretary of State Honors Iranian Women Protesting 'Mandatory Hijab'

On Thursday, March 7, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo referenced the protests of Iranian women against 'mandatory hijab' during the 13th International Women of Courage Awards held in Washington. He accused the Islamic Republic of suppressing and torturing these women. Pompeo stated, 'It was around this time last year that dozens of women across Iran protested against a law that mandates them to wear hijab in public at all times. These brave women exercised their right to freedom by removing their hijabs in front of cameras, fully aware of the cruelty and ruthlessness of their country's leaders.' Last winter, a number of Iranian women symbolically removed their headscarves atop a platform in the streets, waving them like flags. The initiator of this movement, referred to as the 'Girls of Revolution Street,' was a woman known as Vida Mohavd. This movement was later continued by other women such as Narges Hosseini, Azam Jangrooi, Shaparak Shajari Zadeh, and Maryam Shariatmadari, all of whom were arrested. These figures faced heavy sentences, including Azam Jangrooi receiving three years in prison and Narges Hosseini receiving two years. Shaparak Shajari Zadeh was sentenced to two years of imprisonment and 18 years of suspended prison. Ms. Shajari Zadeh left Iran before her sentence was issued and is now in Canada. Azam Jangrooi and Maryam Shariatmadari have also left Iran. There is no report on the fate of Vida Mohavd. The U.S. Secretary of State noted these developments in Iran, saying, 'A year ago, on International Women's Day, the police attacked their protests. Many women were arrested. Some were beaten and tortured in prison. At least one was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and others were forced to flee the country.' Pompeo added, 'The suffering and hardship of these women is just one example of the dangers many women face, and they often confront them with courage.' Another movement protesting the mandatory hijab in Iran is the 'White Wednesdays' campaign, initiated by journalist and political activist Masih Alinejad. This campaign showcases images of women who have removed their hijabs in public, women who wear white as part of the campaign. The annual International Women of Courage Award was established by the U.S. State Department and has been awarded to over 120 women from 65 countries since its inception.